Toxins are our worst enemy, not only do they cause diseases, they are responsible for a number of deaths. When most people hear the word toxin, they think of chemicals, heavy metals, industrial pollution and pesticides, but that’s not true. Toxins are found in a number of foods we eat, air we breathe, even the water we drink. Nowadays, it’s not all food we eat that provides our bodies with everything it needs. Most of these foods can introduce toxins straight into our systems. Toxins can also come from bad habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol, lack of exercise, non- cleansing of colon and even lack of sleep.

When your body has toxin build-ups, your immune system starts to act up, you lose energy, put on weight, your facial skin starts to look dull and breakout, just to mention a few. I am more concerned here with dietary toxins that we consume every day. Toxins found in the food we eat do not just damage our physical health but also affect our emotional health. You may ask how? Our brains and gastrointestinal system are linked and affect each other.

When your stomach is upset, you are emotionally affected. If you eat food that is toxic, your body will be toxic, which means your emotions will then be toxic. It is unfortunate that additives or toxins in foods are acceptable. The question is, how do we recognise them to make it easy for us to reduce them in our diets? We can start by learning how to read food nutritional fact labels...? But first, here is how you will know when food is clean enough to eat:

FOOD THAT IS CLEAN ENOUGH TO EAT IS:

It is still in the same natural state, and has not changed. For example, if an apple is in a bowl, it still looks like an apple. It doesn’t have anything added to it. It does not need added flavouring. It does not contain ingredients you cannot pronounce or recognise. –There is no sugar as its main ingredient. It does not make you feel bloated, too full or gassy. Also, it does not last for months. Clean healthy food will go off quickly whether in the fridge or cupboard, because they do not contain preservatives.

HERE IS A LIST OF FOUR DIETARY TOXINS WE EAT DAILY AND NEED TO CUT OUT OR REDUCE:

Keep your body clean inside and out by eating foods that are more in their natural state. They will not only help you to feel better, but will prolong your life. Don’t forget we are what we eat! If you have any questions about maintaining a healthy life style, please feel free to contact us through the Nigerian Voice Newspapers phone number and e-mail address.